In a complex and dangerous world, the allure of the simple is addictive. But the habits of typecasting can offer us little wisdom. We must educate ourselves to understand these habits, and to demand public discussion that is based on knowledge, understanding, and a belief in the possibility of egalitarian community. Without this, democracy cannot exist.
Join Typecasting authors, Stuart and Elizabeth Ewen, in an ongoing discussion of the influence of stereotypes, past and present, and strategies for combating divisive ways of seeing.

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29 January 2007

The Physiognomy of Failure…and Success

An article in the January 28 edition of The New York Times reports on a Vanderbilt University study of legal immigrants in the United States. Of more than two thousand immigrants studied, two findings stood out. Among a multi-hued range of immigrants, the study found that "those with the lightest skin earned an average of 8 percent to 15 percent more than similar immigrants with much darker skin."

"On average," Professor Joni Hersch—who conducted the study—reported, "being one shade lighter has about the same effect as having an additional year of education."

Another finding was that shorter immigrants earned less than taller immigrants. Every additional inch of height accounted for a "1 percent increase in income."

Stereotype & Society invites readers to send in personal stories that might put meat on the statistical bones of this study. Has your experience reflected the findings of this study? Let us know.